Computing

I use GNU/Linux
I recommend you do the same. In fact I recommend people not to buy a computer with MS Windows on unless they are going to replace it with GNU/Linux.

Though many of the applications that run under GNU/Linux also have version that runs on MS Windows and although many run better as native GNU/Linux applications they are worth using under Windows if you are sticking to using MS Windows as Operating System.

New PCs with GNU/Linux pre-installed can be bought from DNUK. I also previously bought a PC from now dissolved EfficientPC in 2008

Often programs come as compressed zip archives these can be opened with the free 7zip.

I used to put this software and much more on cdroms for friends which uses as a base TheOpenCD.
but check out the: Windows Toolbox, but now with most having access to broadband to download latest versions of free software, giving out cds has fallen by wayside.

If you need to reset password for MS windows system (NT based eg XP) then check out boot disk to do this.